Manchester United Appoint Ralf Rangnick As Interim Manager

Leipzig's German headcoach Ralf Rangnick attends the German Cup (DFB Pokal) Final football match RB Leipzig v FC Bayern Munich at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on May 25, 2019. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) / DFB REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND QUASI-VIDEO. (Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United have appointed Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager until the end of the season, subject to work permit requirements.

The 63-year-old German replaces Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was sacked on 21 November following a humiliating 4-1 defeat by Watford.

“I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a successful season,” said Rangnick.

“The squad is full of talent and has a great balance of youth and experience.

“All my efforts for the next six months will be on helping these players fulfil their potential, both individually and, most importantly, as a team.

“Beyond that, I look forward to supporting the club’s longer-term goals on a consultancy basis.”

Rangnick joins the Red Devils from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow where he was head of sports and development.

Per his contract, Rangnick will remain at Old Trafford for an additional two years in a consultancy role after this season.

His first game in charge of United, who are eighth in the Premier League, could be against Arsenal on 2 December if his work permit application is received in time.

If not, temporary manager Michael Carrick will remain in charge of the side.

Rangnick has built an impressive coaching reputation during his time in Germany, taking little-known Ulm to the Bundesliga for the first time before spells in charge of Stuttgart, Hannover, Hoffenheim, Schalke and RB Leipzig.

He won the German Cup with Schalke in 2011 and took RB Leipzig to the final in 2019.

During the 2010-11 season, he led Schalke to the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they lost 6-1 on aggregate to United, who were then beaten by Barcelona in the final.

“Ralf is one of the most respected coaches and innovators in European football,” said United’s football director John Murtough.

“He was our number one candidate for interim manager, reflecting the invaluable leadership and technical skills he will bring from almost four decades of experience in management and coaching.

“Everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him during the season ahead, and then for a further two years in his advisory role.”

Carrick has been in charge for two games since Solskjaer’s departure and has overseen a win over Villarreal that ensured United would finish top of their Champions League group.

He was also in the dugout for the 1-1 draw with Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday.

Carrick, along with all the current coaching team, will remain at the club, while Rangnick will bring a limited number of his own staff.